Drysdale winery Scotchmans Hill reveals $1.2m onsite accommodation plans
The Bellarine Peninsula's oldest winery is seeking council approval for five luxury cabins overlooking Port Phillip Bay as part of a $1.2m expansion to host overnight guests.
Wine enthusiasts could soon be able to spend the night at the Bellarine Peninsula’s oldest winery, with plans before the council for a $1.2m revamp including the construction of onsite accommodation.
Scotchmans Hill Winery, located at 186-266 Scotchmans Rd in Drysdale, has lodged an application to amend an already approved permit.
The City of Greater Geelong earlier granted the construction of a car park, expanding where alcohol could be consumed and supplied on the property, and works on the restaurant and wine cellar (Cellar Door).
Scotchmans Hill is now seeking approval for three key amendments, including the use of the land as a place of assembly, which would formalise functions like weddings, the use of the land for group accommodation, and the construction of the five accommodation units.
If approved, the new units would be single-storey, pitch-roofed, two-bedroom cabins, situated in an existing clearing near the restaurant and Cellar Door.
Scotchmans Hill stated the units were required “in response to public demand” and to support weddings at the venue.
Chief winemaker Robin Brockett said accommodation at Scotchmans Hill, which had operated commercially for more than 40 years, would “add another level” to the vineyard and the work it had been doing for decades.
“It’s really to compliment what we’re already doing,” he said.
“Ultimately our core business is growing grapes, making wine and selling wine, so while it would be good to have these things, we don’t want them to totally distract from everything else.
“It just means when we’re doing functions like weddings that we’ve got accommodation patrons can use.”
Established in 1982, Scotchmans Hill is located about 25 minutes drive from Geelong’s CBD.
The irregular shaped farming lot of 965,900 sqm overlooks Port Phillip Bay making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Scotchmans Hill submitted to the council it had been hosting weddings for approximately seven years in the existing restaurant, with a 100 patron guest limit and operating from 12pm-12am.
It was seeking approval to “formalise this use” by amending the current planning permit to use the land as a place of assembly, with no additional buildings or car and bus parking required.
Mr Brockett said initial feedback from the council was positive, while the community had also responded well to the news of a potential expansion.
“I’ve spoken to a couple of our neighbours and they’re quite happy about it happening, but I think if we wanted to build 40 units it might be a different story,” he added.
“We’ve had feedback from the council as well and they’re happy with what we’re looking at doing so we’re hoping there won’t be any issues.”
He added the cabins would be positioned a “long way away” from any neighbours, with noise unlikely to be an issue.
If plans are approved, Mr Brockett said the vineyard would be aiming to kick off construction within the next two years.
“The first step is to get the approval, making sure we tick all the boxes and all the locals are happy about it, and from there (build) in the next couple of years.”
Originally published as Drysdale winery Scotchmans Hill reveals $1.2m onsite accommodation plans
